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Tuesday, February 17, 2009

The Russian headcase, who has the distinct "honor" of losing her last 10 of 11 final appearances, faced compatriot, qualifier, and World No.75 Elena Vesnina in her opening round match in Dubai. Sveta won the first set 6-4, lost the second 3-6, and was served a stone cold bagel in the third set. Double *ouch*.

The court was fast, and I just could not get the feel of the ball throughout the match. I am now off to Moscow, and I really need to work hard on my game.

Like, duh - and I'm not talking about the supposedly troubling "fast" court.

Sveta is one lady baller who can't be accused of not playing enough. Last year she played 19 tourneys, including all 4 Grand Slams, the Olympics, and WTA Championships not to mention the semifinals and finals of FED CUP. This season she's already played in Sydney, the Aussie Open, the opening weekend of FED CUP, and now Dubai.

Clearly she's burnt out and needs a break, a hiatus from the Tour (like a month) to get her game together. It's a very slippery slope to tennis oblivion and at this point in her career the 24-year old's focus should be narrowing to the major tourneys and the Grand Slams.

It'll also give her an opportunity to sit down with a sport shrink. Now, I don't like to throw that card out lightly but this lady baller is a prime candidate for some couch time, don't ya think?

Yeah, it's bad when a former Major champ can't handle the pressure of the Dubai second round! Sheesh. I'd have to go back and check, but I have a theory that she started playing badly ever since she heard that Roger enjoys watching her play. Jinx!